President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her Cabinet on Friday offered Mass in Malacañang for former president Corazon Aquino, who remains confined in hospital because of colon cancer.

Father Jason Laguerta who celebrated the Mass at the Palace's Ceremonial Hall prayed for Mrs. Aquino's recovery. He asked for Cory to "experience the love of God" during her ordeal.

The former president is confined at the Makati Medical Center.

Officials who attended the "healing Mass" were Vice President Noli de Castro and Cabinet secretaries including Peter Favila, Francisco Duque, Rolando Andaya.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and other former Cabinet members of Mrs. Aquino were also present at the Mass.

Mrs. Aquino's nieces China Cojuangco and Jackie Aquino; sisters-in-law Tessie Aquino Oreta and Lupita Kashiwahara; and spokeswoman Deedee Sytangco also attended the Mass.

Sytangco told reporters that Mrs. Aquino's condition remains stable and that she was "conscious and aware."

She said Mrs. Aquino was able to sip a milkshake on Thursday.

Sytangco said she was very thankful of Malacañang for offering the Mass despite its political rift with the ailing former president.